arrogate was our Word of the Day on 03/07/2012. Hear the podcast!

Examples of arrogate in a Sentence

They've arrogated to themselves the power to change the rules arbitrarily.

She arrogated the leadership role to herself.

Did You Know?

Arrogate comes from the Latin arrogatus, a past participle of the verb "arrogare," which means "to appropriate to one's self." The Latin verb, in turn, was formed from the prefix ad- ("to" or "toward") and the verb "rogare" ("to ask"). You may have noticed that "arrogate" is similar to the more familiar "arrogant." And there is, in fact, a relationship between the two words. "Arrogant" comes from Latin arrogant-, arrogans, the present participle of "arrogare." "Arrogant" is often applied to that sense of superiority which comes from someone claiming (or arrogating) more consideration than is due to that person's position, dignity, or power.

Origin and Etymology of arrogate

Latin arrogatus, past participle of arrogare, from ad- + rogare to ask — more at right